Combination lock



y 5, 1965 R. E. LEHMAN 3,192,746

COMBINATION LOCK Filed June 4, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR GIA ROSCOE E LE HMAN wwm ZXM ATTORNEYS ATTORNEYS July 6, 19 R. E. LEHMAN COMBINATION LOCK 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed June 4, 1962 BY zzm, %/J//A% United States Patent Ofiice 3,192,746 Patented July 6, 1965 3,192,746 COMBINATION LOCK Roscoe E. Lehman, Hagerstown, Md assignor to Vulcana Corporation, Hagerstown, Md., a corporation of Maryland Filed June 4, 1962, Ser. No. 199,836 9 Claims. (Cl. 70-315) This invention relates to combination locks having two or more combinations. More specifically, it relates to such locks, wherein the combinations can be changed only by an individual knowing the specific combination to be reset.

In combination locks, it is sometimes advantageous to have two or more combinations which will open the same lock with each combination known to only one individual. An example of such occurs where it is desirable that a custodian or other oflicial be able to open any one of a group of locks for inspection purposes or under emergency conditions by a master combination which, if known to an owner of such a lock would enable him to open the locks of others. It is also an advantage for a person having a combination to such a lock to be able to change that combination with facility, but at the same time be unable to learn or change the other combination to the same lock.

The object of this invention is to provide a combination lock of this nature which, in addition, may be arranged so that few or numerous steps are necessary for its operation, can easily be reset in case of an error, and is of relatively simple rugged construction manufactured from inexpensive materials.

The invention is illustrated in the preferred embodiments in the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a front elevational view of a padlock containing the lock mechanism of the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a side elevational view of the structure of FIGURE '1;

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view on the plane indicated by III-III in FIGURE 1 showing the locks mechanism in locked position;

FIGURE 4 is a broken sectional view similar to FIG- URE 3 showing the digital member under axial movement;

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view similar to FIGURE 3 showing the mechanism in an unlocked position;

FIGURE 6 is a broken sectional view similar to FIG- URE 3 illustrating the resetting of the combination;

FIGURE 7 is a sectional view of the lock mechanism taken from lines VII-VII of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 8 is a rear elevational view of the padlock embodying the invention;

FIGURE 9 is a rear elevation view of the mechanism shown in FIGURE 3 with a portion broken away;

FIGURE 10 is an end view of a selector;

FIGURE 11 is a perspective view of the selector;

FIGURE 12 shows a modified embodiment of the controller; and

FIGURE 13 is a broken detail of the combination selector.

The padlock in the illustrated embodiment comprises a body 15, a shackle 16, and a lock mechanism 17. The body 15 snugly receives the lock mechanism 17 so that ordinarily it cannot be removed. The shackle 16 is loosely received in the body 15 in closed position with one end fitting into opening 14 as shown in FIGURE 1. The catch portion 26 receives a link member 21 which bears on latch part 22. A spring 47 urges latch part 22 to the left as shown in FIGURE 1 and, consequently, tends to maintain shackle 16 in a closed or opened position due to the toggle arrangement shown. The latch part 22 includes a downward extension 23 which is received in a slot 31 in mover 24 through opening 32 in stator 25 (see FIGURE 3) and serves the double purpose of relaying movement of mover 24 to open the shackle 16 and of limiting the relative angular movement between stator 25 and the mover 24. A rear closure I9, is slidably received in the after part of body 15. Closure 19 is held in place by latch part 22 which bears against a projection 18 from closure 19. However, when latch part 22 is moved to the right, it disengages from projection 18 and allows closure 19 to be moved upward.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although the lock mechanism of this invention is shown in a padlock, it may be incorporated in other structures having locks such as for example, in various types of safes, doors, and other closures of various types.

The lock mechanism comprises three principal parts, the afore-mentioned stator 25, which can be part of the body 15, the mover 24, and, in addition, the reset and combination controller 26. A plurality of digital members 27, associated with the mover 24, and selectors 30, associated with controller 26, move axially within limits. Controller 26 is also capable of a limited axial movement as well as the mentioned limited angular movement.

The mover 24 fits within the stator 25 so that the slot 31 is underneath the opening 32 in stator 25. Since opening 32 is wider than slot 31, latch extension 23 permits a limited angular relative movement between mover 24 and stator 25, provided the mechanism is unlocked. Axial movement between the stator 25 and the mover 24 is prevented by the lock or back plate 33 and shoulder 38 in stator 25. Back plate 33 is held in place in stator 25 in a groove 34 by a retainer ring 35. Angular movement of back plate 33 is prevented by a projection 36 which fits a corresponding indentation in stator 25. The back plate 33 includes a cylindrical guide 37 to guide the movement of controller 26.

The controller 26 has an exterior knob 41 and an interior flange part 42. Between the flange part 42 and the digital members 27 is a resilient ring member 43 composed of neoprene rubber. Flange part 42 includes a cylindrical ring portion 44 which has a plurality of openings 45. In each opening 45 is a spherical detent member 46 which is resiliently urged upwards towards the selector 30 by the resilient ring member 43.

The selector 30 is shown in detail in FIGURES 10 and 11. Each selector has two grooves 50 and 51 and two tumbler clearance seats 52 and 53. As seen in FIG URE 3, selector 3% is so placed in an axial shaft in controller 26 that the detent member 46 presses upward into groove 50 thus urging the selector 34) towards mover 24. Seat 53 is 30 positioned that when selector 30 is to the left (as seen in FIGURES 4, 5, and 6) it is aligned with the spherical tumbler 54 which lies within a radial bore 56 in mover 24. However, when the selector is to the right (as seen in FIGURE 3), tumbler 54 is confined to its outward position. As will best be understood With reference-to FIGURE 7, as Well as FIG- URES 36, the stator 25 has a plurality of indentions or channels 55. When any tumbler 54 is held in any channel 55 as shown in FIGURES 3 and 7, the stator 25 and mover 24 are locked relative to one another. But, where for each tumbler 54, a seat 52 or seat 53 of selectors 30 is aligned therewith, and consequently, also with channels 55, the mover 24 is free to rotate within stator 25, except as limited by the presence of latch extension 23 in opening 32 and slot 31. Although, in FIGURE 3, the seat 53 is so positioned that the selector 30 must be moved to the left in order to align it with tumbler 54, if the selector is turned one-quarter turn so that detent 46 presses into groove 51 instead of groove 50, seat 52 is thus aligned with tumbler 54, in its right or forward position, and consequently, also with channel 55. Hence, depending upon the settings of the various selectors 3%, each tumbler 54 may be placed in a restricted or unrestricted condition, and only when each tumbler is unrestricted can the mover 24 be turned to open the lock.

Axial movement of a selector 3%) to the left as shown in FIGURE 4 is accomplished by pressing the corresponding digital member 27 to the left or to the rear, from the position shown in FIGURE 3 to that in FIG- URE 4. With such movement, the resilient ring member 43 is compressed where the digital member 27 presses against it. When pressure is removed from digital member 27, the resilience of resilient ring member 43 returns the digital member 27 to its former position as shown in FIGURE 5, but the selector 3% remains to the left. To move selector 39 again forward, or to the right as shown in FIGURE 3, it is necessary to press the controller 26 to rear by knob 41, to the position shown in FIGURE 6. When controller 26 is thus pressed forward to the position shown in FIGURE 6, the detent means 46 bear against the selectors 36 and moves them, if not already moved, to the rear with it. However, the movement of selectors 36 is limited by the rear flange portion 40 of the mover 24. Due to this fact, selectors 39 which had previously been moved to the rear by pressing digital members are returned, relative to controller 26, to their forward position. When pressure on controller 26 is released, spring 3? returns the controller 26 and all of the selectors 3% to the position shown in FIGURE 3. It will be appreciated that the frictional contact between the detent members 46 and the selectors 36 is sufiicient to maintaintheir relative positions except as limited by flange 4t and the digital members 27. It will also be appreciated that the resilient ring member 43 performs a triple function, that is: (1) it maintains detent members 46 in their proper positions; (2) it urges digital members 27 forward; and (3) it acts as a resilient member against forward movement of controller 26.

Unless restrained in some way, the controller 26, together with flange 42, resilient ring member 43, ring portion 44, detent member 45, and selector 39, can be rotated relative to mover 24, and under the various tumblers 54. As will be noted, from FIGURE 7, there are provided two sets of selectors 36 and 30A of nine each with their associated detent members 46 and 46A, in comparison with only one set of nine digital members 27 and nine tumblers 54. Thus, there are two selectors 30 and 30A for each tumbler 54 and digital member 27. It will be appreciated that the numbers of tumblers, digital members, selectors, etc. and the ratios between them are subject to almostinfinite variations. For example, it might be found desirable to have only six digital members and tumblers and twenty-four selectors, which circumstance permits four distinct combinations that will open the lock depending upon which set of selectors is in register with the tumblers. In the instant invention, however, two distinct combinations can be set to open the lock, each combination depending upon the particular setting of the selectors involved.

In order to, limit the angular movement between the controller 26 and the mover 24, a key 60 from controller 26 engages a shaped slot 61 in mover 24. A projection 61A extends from back plate 33 which is received selectively by slot 61B or slot 61C in a projection 59 of controller 26. In the event that it is desired to shift to the additionalcombination so that selectors 30A are in registry with tumblers 54, controller 26 is pulled forward against the resilience of ring 43 so that projection 61A is clear of the division between slots 61B and 61C and knob' 41 is turned clockwise as seen from FIGURE 1, thereby placing projection 61A 4 in slot 61C. In such position, selectors 39A are aligned with tumblers 54.

FIGURE 12 shows an arrangement Where the key 6!} and slot and projection arrangement 59, 61A, 61B and 610 have been eliminated and the relationships of mover 24 and controller 26 is delineated by a gauge 76. With this arrangement, the correct numeral has to be lined up with marker 71 before the combination will operate although it will be appreciated that a number of dependent subconrbinations are possible by taking displacement into effect. ecause of this, it is possible for a number of individuals, say different members of a family or an organization to have separate combinations. The master combination can be operated by lining up the mark 7}. appropriately between numerals on gauge 70. The master combination similarly has a number of dependent subcombinations. The total number of different combinations (including subcombinations) in this modification is equal to the total number of selectors employed.

The mover 24 has a plurality of openings 62 which are aligned with either selectors 30 and 30A when same are in registry with tumblers 54. The back plate 33 similary has a plurality of openings 63. When the lock is in its open condition, openings 62, 63, and the selectors 30 or 30A, according to which were used to open the lock, will be aligned and it is then possible to change the combination by changing the settings of the selectors. To accomplish this, the rear closure 19 must first be removed and, by an appropriate screw driver or the like engaging slots 64, the desired selectors are turned a quarter turn so that either groove 50 or 51 faces the center. Those selectors whose groove 59 faces the center will be those which ultimately must move inward to operate the combination. It is to be noted that such access to change the combination only exists insofar as concerns the particular combination which was used to open the lock. When the lock is closed, openings 62 and 63 are not in alignment. Openings 62 and 63 are of such size and relationship to each other and the selectors that it is impossible to inspect the other set of selectors which are not in alignment when the lock is opened.

For operation of the lock, the digital members 27 which move selectors 34) having groove 50 facing center are pushed in. Since only these selectors are moved, each of the. tumblers 54 is aligned with either seat 52 or 53, whichever happens to be facing outward, and the mover 24 is turned clockwise to bring latch extension 23 to the right side of opening 32 as seen in FIGURE 1.. Latch part 22 is moved with extension 23 and link member 21 is free to move so that shackle 16 may be pulled upward and turned. As long as the mechanism is maintained in this position, the tumblers 54 are held in slots 52 or 53, as applicable, on one side and against stator 25 on the other side so that the selectors 39 cannot move axially. When shackle 16 is lowered to the position shown in FIGURE 1, mover 24 will be turned counter-clockwise by spring 47 whereupon tumblers 54 are again under channels 55. By pushing controller 26 to the position shown in FIGURE 6 and releasing, all of the selectors 30 are brought forward and the mechanism is locked by the tumblers 54 which are thus forced into channels 55. Because it is not necessary to return the end of shackle 16 into opening 14 in body '15, the padlock can thus be locked in an open position.

In the event that it becomes necessary to use the master combination, the selectors 36A are positioned under the tumblers 54 by pulling controller 26 forward to the point *where it can be turned to place projection 61A in slot 610,

and the opening process is merely repeated.

It will be appreciated that for ease in fabrication, certain parts may be divided into two or more parts which fit together. For example, the mover 24 may be divided fore and aft with pin connections so that the controller 26 may be fitted into the mover without. subsequent machining to produce the inwardly extending flange 50 containing openings 62.

The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, for modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

I claim:

1. A combination lock which comprises operatively connected relatively movable members, a plurality of tumblers carried by one of said members and engageable in channels formed in another of said members, a first set and a second set of axially movable selectors mounted in a third of said members engageable with said tumblers to hold said tumblers in engagement with said channels, said selectors having clearance seats into which said tumblers may recede to be free of said channels, and actuation means carried by said members for imparting axial movement singly to each of said selectors either to present clearance seats to said tumblers or to retain said tumblers in said channels, the third of said members being shiftable to engage selectively said first or said second set of selectors with said tumblers.

2. A combination lock in accordance with claim 1, wherein said tumblers are spherical in shape.

3. A combination lock in accordance with claim 2, wherein said channels are depressions in one of said members formed to receive a portion of said spherical tumblers.

4. A combination lock which comprises operatively connected relatively movable members, a plurality of tumblers carried by one of said members and engageable in channels formed in another of said members, a first set and a second set of axially movable selectors mounted in a third of said members engageable with said tumblers to hold said tumblers in engagement with said channels, said selectors having clearance seats into which said tumblers may recede to be free of said channels, and actuation means carried by said members for imparting axial movement singly to each of said selectors either to present clearance seats to said tumblers or to retain said tumblers in said channels, said selectors mounted to permit angular movement being imparted to any one thereof to determine if axial movement be necessary to present a clearance seat on a particular selector, and the third of said members being shiftable to engage selectively said first or said second set of selectors with said tumblers.

5. A combination lock which comprises operatively connected relatively movable members, a plurality of tumblers carried by one of said members and engageable in channels formed in another of said members, a finst and second set of axially movable selectors mounted in a third of said members selectively engageable with said tumblers to hold said tumblers in securing engagement with said channels, said selectors having clearance seats into which said tumblers may recede to be free of said channels, actuation means carried by one of said members for imparting axial movement singly to each of said selectors either to present clearance seats to said tumblers or to retain said tumblers in said channels, reset means incor-' porated in one of said members for simultaneously restoring said selectors to their original position after actuation of any or all of them.

6. A combination lock, a stator, a mover connected relatively movably in said stator, a plurality of channels disposed Within said stator, a plurality of tumblers carried by said mover engageable in said channels, a controller member connected relatively movably in said mover, a first and second set of axially moveable selectors mounted in said controller member, each of said sets of selectors selectively engaging said tumblers to hold said tumblers relative to said channels, said selectors having clearance seats into which said tumblers may recede to be free of said channels, and actuation means carried by said mover for imparting axial movement singly to each of saidselectors either to present clearance seats to said tumblers or to retain said tumblers in said channels, and said controller member being shiftable to engage selectively said first set of selectors or said second set of selectors with said tumblers.

7. In a combination lock, a stator, a mover'connected relatively movable in said stator, a plurality of channels disposed within said stator, a plurality of tumblers carried by said mover engageable in said channels, a controller member connected relatively movably in said mover, a set of axially movable selectors mounted in said controller member, said selectors engaging said tumblers to hold same relative to said channels, said selectors having clearance seats into which said tumblers may recede to be free of said channels, actuation means carried by said mover for imparting axial movement singly to each of said selectors either to present clearance seats to said tumblers or to retain said tumblers in said channels, and a single resilient means concurrently resiliently opposing movement of each of said actuation means either to move said selectors to present clearance seats to said tumblers or to retain said tumblers in said channels.

8. in a combination lock, a stator, a mover connected relatively movable in said stator, a plurality of channels disposed within said stator, a plurality of tumblers carried by said mover engageable in said channels, a controller member connected relatively movably in said mover, a set of axially movable selectors mounted in said controller member, said selectors engaging said tumblers to hold same relative to said channels, said selectors having clearance seats into which said tumblers may recede to be free of said channels, actuation means carried by said mover for imparting axial movement singly to each of said selectors either to present clearance seats to said tumblers or to retain said tumblers in said channels, each of said selectors having a pair of angularly and axially displaced clearance seats and being angularly adjustable to determine in each the clearance seat to be presented to its associated tumbler, a plurality of detent means incorporated in said mover engaging said selectors to maintain each of said selectors-determined angular position, and a single resilient means concurrently resiliently opposing movement of each of said actuation means either to move said selectors to present clearance seats to said tumblers or to retain said tumblers in said channels and urging each of said detent means against said selectors to maintain their angular position.

9. In a combination lock, a stator, a mover connected relatively movable in said stator, a plurality of channels disposed within said stator, a plurality of tumblers carried by said mover engageable in said channels, a conroller member connected relatively movably in said mover, a first and second set or" axially movable selectors mounted in said controller member, each of said sets of selectors selectively engaging said tumblers to hold same relative to said channels, said selectors having clearance seats into which said tumblers may recede to be free of said channels, and actuation means carried by said mover for imparting axial movement singly to each of said selectors either to present clearance seats to said tumblers or retain said tumblers in said channels, said selectors each being angularlyadjustable to determine in each the clearance seat to be presented to its associated tumbler, and said controller member being shiftable to engage selectively said first set of selectors or said second set of selectors with said tumblers.

ALBERT H. KAMPE, Primary Examiner. 

5. A COMBINATION LOCK WHICH COMPRISES OPERATIVELY CONNECTED RELATIVELY MOVABLE MEMBERS, A PLURALITY OF TUMBLERS CARRIED BY ONE OF SAID MEMEBERS AND ENGAGEABLE IN CHANNELS FORMED IN ANOTHER OF SAID MEMBERS, A FIRST AND SECOND SET OF AXIALLY MOVABLE SELECTORS MOUNTED IN A THIRD OF SAID MEMBERS SELECTIVELY ENGAGEABLE WITH SAID TUMBLER S TO HOLD SAID TUMBLERS IN SECURING ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID CHANNELS, SAID SELECTORS HAVING CLEARANCE SEATS INTO WHICH SAID TUMBLERS MAY RECEDE TO BE FREE OF SAID CHANNELS, ACTUATION MEANS CARRIED BY ONE OF SAID MEMBERS FOR IMPARTING AXIAL MOVEMENT SINGLY TO EACH OF SAID SELECTORS EITHER TO PRESENT CLEARANCE SEATS TO SAID TUMBLERS OR TO RETAIN SAID TUMBLERS IN SAID CHANNELS, RESET MEANS INCORPORATED IN ONE OF SAID MEMBERS FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY RESTORING SAID SELECTORS TO THEIR ORIGINAL POSITION AFTER ACTUATION OF ANY OR ALL OF THEM. 